Though the name claims Beverly Hills, the 138-room Mr. C (of the Cipriani brand) is really located in West L.A. In fairness, though, it is incredibly close to Beverly Hills and has the feel of some Beverly Hills hotels -- with large chandeliers, black-and-white Hollywood photographs, and a trendy pool scene. For those with ultra-discerning taste, the decor may better indicate what "posh" was a few years ago, but the rooms are sexy and sleek, and each has its own balcony. Those wishing for a true Beverly Hills hotel may consider staying at the Beverly Wilshire or the Thompson.

This mid-sized upscale hotel is the definition of five-pearl. Classy yet understated, the property draws a chic celebrity clientele, and guests will also feel like celebs staying here. Tucked into a quiet residential neighborhood just blocks from exclusive Rodeo and Robertson Drives, the hotel has 285 beautifully decorated rooms -- each with French doors and private balconies, plus iPads and ultra-cushy beds. There is a marked focus on doing things al fresco, thanks to the property's open-air restaurant/lounge and 24-hour fitness center, and fabulous outdoor heated pool with cafe and private cabanas. The on-site restaurant and bar are also popular with the glitterati, yet the overall vibe of this hotel is somehow still serene. In-room Wi-Fi is only available for a fee.

This 201-room luxury hotel located in the heart of upscale Beverly Hills is elegant in every way, from the Spanish Colonial-inspired architecture to the spacious, sumptuous rooms to the perfectly manicured courtyard. Highlights include a luxury spa, renowned Italian restaurant, and a heated rooftop pool. Only the Peninsula and the Beverly Wilshire hotels can compare.

A known celebrity hangout, Shutters on the Beach has an atmosphere of formal opulence, with expensive artwork in its lobby and restaurants, luxe features, and rooms that belong in a billionaire's beach house. Its oceanfront location and doting service are hard to beat, but Casa Del Mar rivals it with a more intimate feel and better amenities.

Less stuffy than the Beverly Hills Hotel, more glam than the Beverly Hilton, this iconic Beverly Hills hotel is a top luxury pick for business or leisure, families or romance. With beautiful guest rooms, a Wolfgang Puck restaurant, and a great spa, pool and fitness center, plus doting Four Seasons service, it's hard to find fault.

This luxury retreat in ritzy Bel-Air is one of Los Angeles' -- indeed, one of the country's -- poshest and most romantic getaways. The 12 acres of landscaped gardens allow it to feel secluded and private, even though it's only a 10-minute drive from the designer shopping in Beverly Hills. The 103 sophisticated rooms and suites blend Spanish Colonial and French Deco influences; some have fireplaces and patios. Gourmet California cuisine is available from Wolfgang Puck, while the lounge has live music performances and light Mediterranean fare. Free treats such as popsicles are served at the chic, heated outdoor pool, and there is small luxury spa with seven treatment rooms.

One of the best hotels -- if not the best hotel -- in the entire L.A. area, the Peninsula bills itself, accurately, as an "exclusive oasis." You can splurge (huge, gorgeous rooms; afternoon tea; renowned restaurant) or go downright charge-crazy (private villa, luxury spa). Just be sure to bring your platinum card.

On 12 acres of lush grounds, this historic hotel is a serene, luxurious escape five minutes from Rodeo Drive. Its formal service and aura lend it a stuffier feel than the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire, but it also has anachronistic charms, like an old-fashioned soda fountain, plus a great pool and (pricey) restaurants. The historic rooms, which are the most standard, are smaller and not as luxe, but all other rooms are spacious with fresh decor, amenities such as massive flat-screen TVs, and marble bathrooms with separate showers and tubs.

Just off the Sunset Strip, the London offers the highest levels of luxury and service at reasonable prices. With 200 beautifully appointed, 750-square-foot rooms, a rooftop pool and fitness area with panoramic views, and a restaurant from star chef Gordon Ramsay, the hotel attracts a sophisticated set who expect service as great as the value.

The Philippe Starck-designed SLS, opened in 2008, may dazzle -- and possibly overwhelm -- the senses with capital-D design. The rooms are sleek, luxurious, and spacious; its gym is enormous, and restaurants by Spanish chef Jose Andres are praiseworthy. But the high-design elements sometimes get in the way of comfort and practicality -- neither of its two pools, for example, is deep enough for swimming.